Leakproof collapsible tube



Bea 25, 1933 s. AuFRlcH-r LEAKPROOF COLLAPSIBLE TUBE Filed Aug. 30, 1932 INVENTOR, ujmfe Aufrja ATTONEY,

Patented Dec. 26, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT oI-Flc 13 Claims.

My present invention relates generally to containers, and has particular reference to collapsible tubes of the character conventionally used for toothpaste and similar materials.

It is a general object of my invention to prof vide an improved type of outlet neck for a collapsible tube of this character, whereby the use of the tube may be facilitated.

A tube constructed in accordance with my present invention is of the general character wherein the outlet neck terminates in a central closed stem or dome, and wherein lateral outlet openings are provided through the neck to the rear of such stem or dome. Constructions of this general character are not broadly new, and they are usually provided with a cap enclosing the neck and adapted to be adjusted forwardly or rearwardly to open or close the tube. The cap is provided with lan outlet opening through which the material in the tube may emerge when the cap is positioned forwardly.

One of the reasons why constructions of this general character have not been Widely accepted, commercially, appears to lie` in the fact that the tubes are not entirely leak-proof. It is in this respect that the conventional construction,

wherein a screw-threaded cap engages with a` screw-threaded neck, is superior. At the same time, there is no doubt that the conventional construction is relatively crude and has the extreme disadvantage of requiring the cap to be completely withdrawn from the tube whenever material is to be squeezed out.

It is a more particular object of my present invention to provide an improved construction of the general type first above mentioned, wherein means are provided for assuring a tight and leakproof joint or closure of the tube.

One of the features of my present invention lies in providing the central stem with exterior threads, and in providing an outletportion in the car' with complementary threads, whereby the forward and rearward movement of the cap, to open and close the outlet of the tube, may be accompanied by the advantageous sealing eiect which obtains with a screw-threaded engagement of parts. At the same time, my construction obviates the conventional disadvantage of a completely removable cap. y

A further feature of my invention lies in the provision of one or more shoulders on the neck,

and the corresponding provision of one or more sealing ridges on the cap, for the purpose of enabling each ridge to bear or seat against the corresponding shoulder and thereby provide a secure and leak-proof joint.

In one embodiment of my invention, one forwardly directed shoulder is provided rearwardly of the threaded stem, and the cap has an annular sealing ridge which is adapted to seat itself against the shoulder when the cap is screwed down. In another embodiment, I provide two such shoulders, with two corresponding ridges, one shoulder being arranged forwardly of the outlet openings in the neck, and the other shoulder being arranged rearwardly thereof, whereby the sealing of the tube is even more efficient.

In a further embodiment of vmy invention, I provide a rearwardly directed shoulder on the neck, which cooperates with a corresponding ridge on the cap for effecting a seal behind the outlet openings when the cap is unscrewed, thereby assuring the passage of the material forwardly out of the cap.

Another feature of my invention lies in providing the shoulders hereinbefore mentioned with concave configurations, thereby enhancing the firmness with which the joints are made leakproof.

Another general object of my invention is to incorporate the features hereinbefore generally referred to with the type of construction shown in the Kalb Patent No. 1,601,396, whereby the advantages of the construction illustrated and described in that patent are complemented by the advantages of my present invention.

I achieve the foregoing objects, and such other objects as may hereinafter appear or be pointed out, in the manner illustratively exemplified in the accompanying drawing, wherein- Figure l is a longitudinal cross-section through the outlet portion of a collapsible tube, illustrating one embodiment of my present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of Figure 1, with a portion broken away for the sake of clearness;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing the parts in partially open relationship;

Figure 4 shows the parts of Figure 1 in completely open relationship; f

yFigure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1, illustrating 'a modification;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, showing the parts in open relationship; and

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a further modication.

In the embodiment of Figures 1-4, the collapsible tube 10 is provided with an outlet neck 11 which terminates in the central closed stem or dome 12. Rearwardly of the stem y12 are the ICG lateral outlet openings 13. A cap 14 is adapted to enclose the neck of the tube 10.

In accordance with my present invention, the stem 12 is exteriorly threaded, as at 15, and the 5 cap 14 has an outlet portion 16 which is corretitl? is adapted to snap into and out of the positions shown in Figures 3 and 4. It is to be noted that in Figure 3 the spring is convex upwardly, whereas in Figure 4 it is concave upwardly.

The operation and advantageous characteristics of this construction are best perceived by referring rst to Figure 4. In this figure, the parts are shown in the relationship they assume when the tube is open. Pressure upon the rear of the tube will squeeze )the material of the tube out through the openings 13, around the stem 12, and through the outlet portion 16 of the cap 14. After the desired amount of material has been withdrawn, the device is closed by pressing the cap 14 toward the tube 10, thereby causing the spring 17 to snap into its opposite position, as shown in Figure 3. Only a slight pressure upon the cap 14 is necessary to accomplish this object, and, in accordance with my invention, the parts are so constructed and arranged that the portion 16 will thereupon be brought into proximity with the stem 12, as shown in Figure 3. It is this adjustment alone which is relied upon in the Kalb construction to seal the tube, but in accordance with my present invention the sealing is accomplished with greater efficiency by virtue of the threads on the stem 12 and on the portion 16. I have found the provision of such threads to be feasible by virtue of the fact that the spring 17 may be loosely mounted at its opposite edges so as to permit rotation of the cap with respect to the tube l0. Accordingly, in the operation of the present device, the snapping of the spring into the position of Figure 3 is followed by screwing the threads on the portion 16 into engagement with the threads on the stem 12. This forces the cap 14 onto the tube, as shown in Figure 1, to a slightly greater extent, as shown in Figure 1, which I have found to be just sufficient to prevent any possibility of leakage through the outlet portion 16.

Obviously, when the portion 16 is threaded into engagement with the stem 12, the spring 17 is deflected a little bit beyond its normal position, as will be observed by comparing Figures 1 and 3.

In opening the tube, procedure is reversed.' The cap is first inscrewed by a slight degree to release the threads of the portion 16 from the threads of the stem 12. The cap is then grasped at its edge and withdrawn bodily and longitudinally away from the tube l0, thereby causing the spring to snap into the position of Figure 4.

It will thus be obvious that I achieve the advantages of the leaf spring arrangement, together with the advantages of the conventional screw cap arrangement, while at the same time I obviate the disadvantages of both, in so far as the cap is utterly irremovable from the tube, and leakage is prevented.

In Figures 5 and 6, I have illustrated a modified construction in which the adjustment of the cap away from and toward the tube is accomplished purely by screwing and unscrewing action.

In this embodiment, the tube 18 is provided with the outlet neck 19, the latter terminating in the closed, exteriorly threaded, central stem 20, as before. In accordance with my invention, the neck is provided with the forwardly directed shoulder 2l, just rearwardly of the stem 20. The neck is also provided with the lateral outlet openings 22, positioned'rearwardly of the shoulder 2l.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the neck is provided with the additional threads 23 arranged near the rear end of the neck, and, for a purpose presently to be described, the longitudinal extent of these threads 23 is substantially greater than that of the threads on the stem 20.

The cap 24 is provided with threads which are adapted to engage with/the threads 23, and it is also provided with the outlet portion 25, on which threads 26 are provided, the latter threads being adapted to engage with the threads on the stem 20.

The cap is also provided with the annular ridge 27, which is adapted to bear against the shoulder 21 when the cap is screwed down.

The manner of using this device is clearly illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. When the cap is screwed down, as in Figure 5, leakage is positively prevented by virtue of the firm seating of the ridge 27 upon the shoulder 21. If desired, a gasket or washer may be provided along this seat. Leakage is also made more dificult by virtue of the provision of threads on the stem 20, and in some instances the seat 21 is not essential. When material is to be withdrawn, the cap 24 is unscrewed, and this unscrewing is continued until the outlet portion 25 is entirely disengaged from the stem 20. The cap nevertheless remains in permanent association with the tube, by virtue of the engagement of the threads on the cap with the threads 23.

After the desired amount of material has been withdrawn, in the manner illustrated in Figure 6, the cap is screwed down again, and the threads 26 will again engage the stem 20, the ridge 27 seating itself firmly and securely against the shoulder In Figure 7 I have illustrated a further modification which is similar to Figure 5 but in which two additional shoulders or seats have been provided. The tube 28 is provided with the neck 29, the latter terminating in the central closed stem 30 exteriorly'threaded, as before. Just behind the stem 30 is the forwardly directed annular seat or shoulder 31; behind this are the lateral outlet openings 32; and behind these openings is a second forwardly directed shoulder 33.

The neck 29 is provided with the threads 34 at the rear portion thereof, and at the forward end of these threads I have shown the possibility of providing the rearwardly directed shoulder 35.

The cap 36 has a threaded outlet portion adapted to engage with the stem 30, a threaded rear portion adapted to engage with the threads 34, and a series of ridges adapted to engage, re- .i spectively, with the shoulders on the neck. More particularly, the cap is provided with the annular ridge 37 adapted to seat itself against the shoulder 31; it isY provided also with the ridge 38 adapted to seat itself against the shoulder 33; and it is `provided with the oppositely disposed ridge 39 c adapted to seat itself against the shoulder 35.

When this tube is closed, as shown in Figure 7, leakage through the openings 32 is positively prevented by virtue of the ridges 37 and 38, and their firm engagement with the corresponding shoulders 31 and 33. When the cap is unscrewed, its outlet portion disengages itself from the stem 30, in the manner shown in Figure 5, thereby permitting the material to emerge through the openings 32 and upwardly around the stem 30. At the same time, the unscrewing of the cap causes the ridge 39 to seat itself against the shoulder 35, whereby any escape or leakage of the material rearwardly is prevented during the process of squeezing the material forwardly out of the tube.

Obviously, the second forwardly directed shoulder 33 may be provided, without necessarily providingl the rearwardly directed shoulder 35; and,

in a similar manner, it will be understood thatV the rearwardly directed shoulder 35 is in itself a structural feature which may be'independently employed without the other shoulders.

It will be understood that changes in the details herein described and illustrated for the purpose of explaining the nature of my invention may be made by those skilled in the art Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. It is therefore intended that these details be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is- 1. In a collapsible tube, an outlet neck terminating in a closed central stem exteriorly-threaded, an annular shoulder at the rear end of said stem, lateral outlet openings through the neck rearwardly of said shoulder, an open-ended cap enclosing said neck and provided with threads adapted to engage said stern threads, and an annular sealing ridge o n said cap adapted to seat against said shoulder when the cap is screwed down.

2. In a collapsible tube, an outlet neck terminating in a closed central stern exteriorly threaded, an annular shoulder at the rear end of said stem, lateral outlet openings through the neck rearwardly of said shoulder, a second annular shoulder rearwardly of said outlet openings, an open-ended cap enclosing said neck and provided with threads adapted to engage said stem threads, and annular sealing ridgesv on said cap adapted, respectively, to seat against said shoulders when the cap is screwed down.

3. In a collapsible tube, an outlet neck terminating in a closed central stem exteriorly threaded, an annular shoulder at the rear end of said stem, lateral outlet openings through the neck rearwardly of said shoulder, additional exterior threads on the neck rearwardly of said openings, an open-ended cap enclosing said neck and provided with two sets of threads adapted, respectively, to engage said stem threads and said additional threads, and an annular sealing ridge on said cap adapted to seat against said shoulder when the cap is screwed down.

4. In a collapsible tube, an outlet neck terminating in a closed central stem exteriorly threaded, an annular shoulder at the rear end of said stem, lateral outlet openings through the neck rearwardly of said shoulder, additional exterior threads on the neck rearwardly of said openings, an open-ended cap enclosing said neck and provided with two sets of threads adapted, respectively, to engage said stem threads and said additional threads, and an annular sealing ridge on said cap adapted to seat against said shoulder when the cap is screwed down; the longitudinal extent of said additional threads being greater than that of said stem threads so that said stern may be completely freed of engagement with the cap without disengaging the latter from the neck.

5. In a collapsible tube, an outlet neck terminating in a closed central stem exteriorly threaddirected shoulder rearwardly of saidzoutlet openings, an open-ended cap enclosing saidgneck and threaded to engage said stem, and annular, convex sealing ridges on said cap adapted, ,respectively, to seat against said shoulders when the cap is screwed down. f

7. In a collapsible tube, an outlet neck terminating in a closed central stem exteriorly threaded, a forwardly directed, annular 4shoulder at the rear endI of said stem, lateral openings rthrough the neck rearwardly of said shoulder, a

rearwardly directed, annular shoulder behind said outlet openings, an open-ended` cap enclosing said neck and threaded to engage said stem, an annular sealing ridge on said cap adapted to seat against said forwardly directed shoulder when the cap is screwed down, and a second annular sealing ridge on said cap adapted to seat against said rearwardly directed shoulder when the cap is unscrewed from said stem.

8. In a collapsible tube, an outlet neck terminating in a closed central stern exteriorly threaded, a forwardly directed, annular shoulder at the rear end of said stern, lateral openings through the neck rearwardly of said shoulder, additional exterior threads on the neck rearwardly of said openings, a second forwardly directed, annular shoulder rearwardly of said outlet openings, a rearwardly directed, annular shoulder forwardly of said additional threads, an open-ended cap enclosing said neck and provided with two sets of threads adapted, respectively, to engage said stem and said additional threads', annular sealing ridges on saidcap adapted, respectively, to seat against said forwardly directed shoulders when the cap is screwed down, and a third annular sealing ridge on said cap adapted to seat against said rearwardly directed shoulder when the capis unscrewed.

9. In a collapsible tube, an outlet neck terminating in a closed central stem exteriorly` threaded, lateral outlet openings through the neck rearwardly of said stem, a cap enclosing said neck and a frustro-conical leaf spring interposed between said neck and cap and adapted to snap the cap forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the neck, said cap having a threaded outlet portion aligned with said stem and arranged to be brought into proximity with said stem when the cap is snapped into its rearward position, whereby said portion may then be screwed into engagement with said stem.

10. In a collapsible tube, an outlet neck terminating in a closed central stem of reduced diameter and exteriorly threaded, the neck portion behind said stem being tapered, lateral outlet openings through said tapered portion of the neck, an open-ended cap enclosing said neck and provided with a forward set of threads adapted to engage said stem threads, whereby the material in the tube ispermitted to emanate through said outlet openings and around said stem when the cap is released from said stem threads and advanced forwardly, and means carried by the neck rearwardly of said openings and adjustably engaging the rear end of the cap for permanently sealing the assembly against emanation of said material rearwardlyunderneath the rear end of the cap.

11. In a collapsible tube, an outlet neck terminating in a closed central stem of reduced diameter and exteriorly threaded, lateral outlet openings through the neck rearwardly of said stem, additional exterior threads on the neck rearwardly of said openings, and an open-ended cap enclosing said neck and provided with two sets of threads adapted, respectively, to engage said stem threads and said additional threads, the cap portion between said two sets of threads being unthreaded to permit the material in the tube to emanate through said outlet openings and around said stem when the cap is unscrewed to release it from said stem threads.

12. In a collapsible tube, an outlet neck terminating in a closed central stern exteriorly threaded, an annular shoulder formed on saicl4 stem, lateral outlet openings through the neck rearwardly of said stem, additional exterior threads on the neck rearwardly of said openings, an open-ended cap enclosing said neck and provided with a forward and a rearward set of threads adapted, respectively, to engage said stem threads and said additionalthreads, the cap portion between said forward and rearward threads being unthreaded to permit the material in the tube to emanate through said outlet openings and around said stem when the cap is unscrewed, and an annular sealing ridge on said cap adapted to seat against said shoulder when the cap is screwed down.

13. In a collapsible tube, an outlet neck terminating in a closed central stem exteriorly threaded, lateral outlet openings through the neck rearwardly of said stem, additional exterior threads on the neck rearwardly of said openings, and an open-ended cap enclosing said neck and provided with two sets of threads adapted, respectively, to engage said stem threads and said additional threads, the cap portion between said two sets of threads being unthreaded to permit the material in the tube to emanate through said outlet openings and around said stem when the cap is unscrewed to release it from said stem threads; the longitudinal extent of said additional threads being greater than that of said stem threads, so that the release of the cap from the stem threads will not disengage the cap entirely from said neck.

GUSTAVE AUFRICHT. 

